WiMax’s slow march

After the traditional few years of hype, it looks like WiMax is finally heading towards broad UK availability. But if you build it, will they come?

WiMax news has come thick and fast recently. Earlier this month, its UK bandwagon leader Pipex Wireless rebranded as Freedom4 and announced plans to roll out services in parts of the UK. Last week, mobile WiMax gained ITU standard status, virtual operator Adapt said it would piggyback on Urban Wimax, and Cisco acquired WiMax equipment maker Navini Networks.

More important than any of this, perhaps, is that WiMax has the blessing of Intel, which will build in support for the wireless standard in laptop chipsets. WiMax offers wide ranges and fast, symmetrical links but it will be no slam dunk. In particular, geographic coverage will be very limited for some time. By contrast, 3G and Wi-Fi services are finally creeping across the country. WiMax will have its audience but its progress is likely to be slow.